Lucha Tigre — Restaurant in Chapel Hill

Lucha Tigre is one of our favorite spots in the Chapel Hill area for several reasons...incredible fusion food, great service and excellent ownership. My son (a UNC student) suggested our family and friends try this spot out after he ate there several times and loved it.

Our experiences at Lucha Tigre have been awesome! We've met Khoa Dinh (the friendly owner) who checks on his guests, their food and their experience to ensure everyone's satisfaction. This guy is top-shelf all the way. The serving staff we've had has been attentive, quick and knowledgeable about the menu. If you've ever waited tables, you'll appreciate them.

The menu has some traditional Thai and Mexican fare but most dishes feature some fusion...which is where the magic resides. We've taken two larger groups (6-8 people) each visit and tried most of the tapas items: Bulgogi Nachos, Heat Seeker Shrimp , Pork Dumplings, Crispy Green Beans, Chipotle-Pepita Guacamole and Chips (don't underestimate). It's ridiculous how good these dishes all are. Our server suggested the Tuna Ceviche Larb which might be the best thing I've had outside of a major city. Simply awesome. Khou even came to our table to help suggest some seasoning for our friend who ordered the Pho.

As an old UNC alum and now a UNC parent, I miss the storied places like The Rat, Linda's (basement), etc. Lucha Tigre has the feeling of authenticity that college town restaurants need. You know its a great place when locals and visitors all eat there.

The ability to reserve tables in advance is also a great service!

Can't wait until our next trip to Chapel Hill so we can explore the menu deeper, enjoy our next experience, and get to see Khoa...

I am disappointed in Lucha Tigre! Since moving to Chapel Hill, it has been my go to place for takeout. However, I will not be going anymore. On today, December 1 around lunch time, I ordered two lemon grass chicken entrees to go. After getting in my car, I noticed a repulsive smell from the food. The smell was so bad that I wasn't even hungry anymore. A few hours later, I warmed up one of my orders, took a bite, and immediately spat out the food. It was disgusting. I packed the food up and went back to the store at the opening of dinner time. I spoke with the manager that was working during the dinner shift on 12/01/17 and requested a refund. The manager was very nasty, wasn't attempting to understand me, and just gave off the impression that she did not care. I am a foodie and I love GOOD food. I also do not mind PAYING FOR GOOD FOOD, but it irks me to pay for food that isn't good and that I did not eat. This situation could have been handled so much better than it was.

Additionally, I told my friend about the situation above and she called to speak with the manager. The manager's name is Alessa and she was basically rude with my friend as well. Alessa told my friend that when people eat at restaurants and the food isn't good, they should just keep it to themselves and don't say anything. When my friend asked Alessa why she didn't grant me a refund or take responsibility for the food, she stated that she does not like when people feel "entitled". Alessa did state that she asked the kitchen staff about the food and they said the food was fine!! Of course they will say the food was fine!!!...

I have eaten at Lucha Tigre three times. The food is excellent, and the first two times the service was great. However, last weekend during their Chinese New Year celebration I had a terrible experience there. They sent an email to customers advertising for this particular weekend. I had family in town so we went for dinner and drinks.

The hostess was friendly and although it was busy, we were seated within twenty minutes at a table in the bar. I had to stop and ask someone to please get us water and take our drink orders. Then another person from our table had to go find someone to take our order for an appetizer. This happened each time we needed food or a drink. When the food came out, mine was not delivered. I asked about it twice, and it never came! Ten minutes after the second time I asked for my food I decided to just finish my sisters meal and leave.

I understand that mistakes happen, as well as miscommunication between servers and the kitchen. Honestly, the food is so good that if anyone would have acknowledged that it's not ok for customers to never get their food, I would not be here complaining. The thing is, no one cared. All three of the staff we stopped to ask for drinks, food, help etc. were not interested in our problems. It was kind of crazy. The bartender took my meal off the ticket and made sure I knew it. So, not charging me for a meal I didn't get was the extent of their handling of the situation.

I can easily be appeased when something goes wrong. I like the food and the ambiance at Lucha Tigre, but I can't go back to a place that treats...